In a perfect world, pedestrians injured by negligent drivers would rest and focus on healing. Unfortunately, you also have to deal with insurance companies in the real world.
After your accident, you may think that the driver’s insurance will compensate you for damages, but sometimes insurance companies in California deny claims. Here are some common reasons why your pedestrian insurance claim may be denied.
1. Not filing your claim on time
In California, the statute of limitation to file a personal injury case is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to make a claim within this time, your claim can be denied, and you lose the right to bring a lawsuit. It’s important to take action as soon as possible after an accident because you can’t delay legal action indefinitely.
2. Not seeking medical treatment
The main reason why most pedestrians don’t receive compensation for their injuries is that they don’t seek treatment after the accident – so there’s no proof of injury. It’s crucial that you visit a doctor for an evaluation. Remember that some injuries may not present themselves immediately, and sometimes you may not feel pain until days after the accident.
3. Lack of evidence
To get compensated after an accident, you need to provide evidence. Eyewitness statements, a police report, a doctor’s report, photos of your injuries and even an accident reconstruction may be needed to support your claim.
4. Resistance from the insurer
Sometimes insurance companies don’t play fair. This means they may have denied your legitimate claim, made threatening statements, advised you not to seek legal assistance or offered you a lowball settlement amount.
Don’t walk away from your pedestrian accident claim without doing everything in your power to obtain fair compensation. Experienced legal guidance can help you get the money you need to have financial stability as you heal and move forward.
